September 30, 2010

I referenced this bill yesterday, and I'm glad to report that yesterday the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 9/11 Health and Compensation bill. New York lawmakers have been pushing for a measure like this for years, and the bill failed to pass when it was previously brought up in July. Finally the bill passed yesterday 268 to 160. Thirteen Republicans voted in favor of the bill and three Democrats opposed it. 

The bill would provide free health care and compensation to 9/11 rescue and recovery workers that became ill as a result of their work at ground zero. These workers suffered illnesses as a result of breathing in fumes, smoke, dust, and other toxic materials. The bill lays out that over the next eight years, $3.2 billion would go to monitoring and treating the illnesses of 9/11 workers (with 10% of those costs being paid for by the city of New York) and $4.2 billion would be allotted to the reopening of the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund, which provides compensation for any job and economic losses. Up until this point, Congress has been giving money for the medical treatment of ground zero workers on an annual basis. However, the bill's supporters wanted the government to institute a more permanent health program, due to the fear that the annual renewal of these funds were subject to the political whims of Congress. 

Those opposed to the bill were concerned about the cost of the bill. They brought up their usual complaint about how this is adding to the deficit. That's their answer to oppose anything (except when it's something they want passed. Like extending the Bush tax cuts to the wealthiest. Or, you know, passing stuff during the Bush years that led to this huge deficit in the first place). Opponents feel like this is just another big government entitlement program that would be a burden on taxpayers. I think this is a cause definitely worthy of the cost. I agree with the supporters of the bill that argued that the country has an obligation to help these workers that risked their lives during a time of national crisis. 

Similar legislation is pending in the Senate, though it most likely has a much tougher fight there since Republicans have enough votes to filibuster the bill. I hope they do the right thing, and allow ground zero workers to get the health care and compensation they deserve.  (Full Story)

---

A judge in Ontario, Canada has overturned a brothel ban in the province. Three prostitutes brought their case to the Ontario Superior Court, and they argued that the brothel ban forced them to risk their safety by having to go onto the streets. One of the prostitutes told the court that she had been beaten and raped many times. A very high profile case against Canadian serial killer Robert Pickton, who killed at least six sex workers (and most likely many more) in Vancouver, has brought increased attention to the dangers of street prostitution.

Judge Susan Himel ruled that national laws banning brothels, solicitation of clients, and managing sex workers violated the constitutional guarantee of "the right to life, liberty, and security". She said, "These laws...force prostitutes to choose between their liberty, interest, and their right to security of the person." Judge Himel also urged the Canadian parliament to regulate the sex trade instead of banning brothels. 

The national government is considering appealing the ruling. There's a fear that other provinces could follow. If the government does not appeal, the ruling will go into effect in 30 days. Canadian Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said the government will "fight to ensure that the criminal law continues to address the significant harms that flow from prostitution." Those that supported the overturned laws fear that the ruling could make Canada a haven for human traffickers. (Full Story)

This is definitely a serious and contentious subject, and I think there are valid points made on both sides. Though I agree with the brothel ban. I think that prostitution is going to continue regardless, and I would much rather have sex workers be in a safer environment where there is protection and oversight. Plus, this allows for better regulation in order to protect sex workers and their clients. For instance, many brothels have rules in place where workers need to get tested for STDs on a regular basis and the use of condoms is required.